Latex Allergy: Current Status and Future Perspectives

J Asthma Allergy. 2020 Sep 28:13:385-398. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S242058. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRLA) from Hevea brasiliensis is a relevant public health issue, in particular in healthcare workers and groups at risk. Clinical manifestations of NRLA can range from mild skin disorders to life-threatening systemic reactions. Prevention measures remain the gold-standard treatment for patients suffering from NRLA, but the only etiological therapy able to influence the natural history of NRLA is specific desensitization. This review aims to underline the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of NRLA, and carries out a complete and wide-ranging review of the current literature on NRLA management and immunotherapy.

Keywords: desensitization; immunotherapy; latex.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The authors declare that no funding was received for the present review.